According to the Centers for Disease Control, four of every 100 children suffer from a food allergy. The seriousness of these allergies is such that food manufacturers must now label their products to clearly show the presence of certain ingredients. Facial tingling is a common symptom of an allergic reaction to food. In the most severely allergic people of any age, the symptoms may include a potentially lethal condition known as anaphylaxis.
Allergies and Allergens
An allergic reaction results when your body's immune system reacts to a substance that, in reality, poses no threat. Dust, pollen, mold, insect stings, chemicals and certain foods are just a few examples of substances that trigger allergic reactions in many people. Research indicates that genetics play some role in the development of allergies. For instance, if both your parents had allergies, then your chance of having allergies increases. Environmental conditions can also contribute to allergies. Overexposure or underexposure to certain allergens, especially during childhood, may alter the normal functioning of the immune system.
Food Allergies
The protein molecules in certain foods trigger an immune response in allergic individuals. While it's possible to become allergic to almost any food, there are eight specific types of food that lead to most allergies. These eight foods are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Indications of an allergic response to food range from tingling, itching and swelling around the mouth to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. Hives and eczema rash on the skin are also possible symptoms of a food allergy. People with dangerous allergic reactions will feel lightheaded because of a drop in blood pressure. Tightness in the chest, followed by difficulty breathing, are warning signs of anaphylaxis. If left untreated, anaphylactic shock can lead to death in a matter of minutes.
Prevention and Treatment
If your food allergy is severe, avoid those foods entirely. Read product labels to learn whether an item has been processed near foods to which you are allergic. Be extra cautious when eating at a restaurant or at friends' houses. Mild symptoms will usually respond to home care. For example, hydrocortisone cream effectively manages a skin rash. Highly allergic individuals, however, will want to carry an epinephrine shot at all times and wear a medical alert bracelet indicating their condition.
Other Causes of Facial Tingling
An allergic reaction to food isn't the only cause of tingling around the mouth or on the face. Nerve damage or a restricted blood supply also lead to tingling and numbness. These symptoms may be present during more serious conditions, such as stroke or seizure. Always report unexplained facial tingling to your family doctor, and she can determine the root of the problem.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Food Allergy; What is Food Allergy?
- Centers for Disease Control; National Center for Health Statistics; Food Allergy Among U.S. Children: Trends in Prevalence and Hospitalization; Amy Branum, et al.; October 2008
- United States Food and Drug Administration: Food Allergies: What You Need to Know
- MedLine Plus: Allergies
- MedLine Plus: Numbness and Tingling
